Check engine light and air filter - BMW Forum

Layzie · 10-09-2006, 10:29 PM

hey guys, I'm new to the forum and was wondering because this is what I was told by a mechanic, is that my engine light is on because I have an aftermarket filter instead of the OEM filter. Is this why my engine light is on or could it be something else?

polaris448 · 10-10-2006, 12:50 AM

he's so full of it that his eyes are prolly brown

Othniel13 · 10-10-2006, 08:24 AM

Agreed, he is full of it. I have an aftermarket filter and it did not throw a code until I pulled half my radiator fluid threw it and killed my Mass Airflow Sensor.

I have an AEM and have about 12,000 miles on it with no issue.

Hamfisted · 10-10-2006, 08:50 AM

What was the code that was pulled? Go buy your own Innova 3110 code reader and read them yourself.
There's no problem with aftermarket airfilters.

-Mike

Layzie · 10-10-2006, 12:31 PM

Where can I get a reader and how much would it be? note I am in canada.

Hamfisted · 10-10-2006, 02:10 PM

Sorry, I see in your profile your car is a '94. The Innova 3110 is an OBDII reader. Your system is OBDI and it won't read it. But you can read your OBDI codes through the built-in system in the car's check engine light.

Here's how:

To read codes for an OBD I car, you start by turning the ignition key on (do not start the engine) and pressing the gas pedal to the floor five times within a period of five seconds. If you proceeded correctly, then the check engine lamp will light on for five seconds, then blink off, then blink on for 2.5 seconds, and then go off for another 2.5 seconds. After this, the computer will start to show you the trouble fault codes that are stored.

The codes are given by short flashes of the check engine light, followed by short pauses. The codes are all four digit numbers. For example, the trouble fault code for monitoring the battery voltage level is 1231. This would show up flashing as "flash - pause - flash - flash - pause - flash - flash - flash - pause - flash." I suggest having a pen and paper handy when you do this, as the codes have a tendency to flash faster than you would think.

If there is more than one fault code stored, then each code will be separated by a 2.5 second pause. When there are no more codes to be read, the computer will give the code 1000, which is one short flash, and then the light will remain off. Then the check engine light will flash a half-second and then turn off. To read the codes again, simply turn the ignition key off and on again and repeat the procedure with the gas pedal (five times within five seconds).

When you are finished reading the codes, you can reset the computer and clear them all out (Turn off the CEL light...). Make sure that the last code (1000) has occurred, and then press down on the gas pedal for more than 10 seconds. This should clear out the memory of the DME. Repeat the fault code reading process, and the computer should generate code 1444, which means that there are no faults stored.

Here's a link to the whole how-to article with the codes and details: Pelican Parts OBDI Diagnostics

-Mike

325isBaby · 10-10-2006, 02:21 PM

There is only one case that an aftermarket air filter has caused a Check engine light...it was a K&N filter that the customer over oiled and it saturated the MAF to the point it could not function...but it was a rare coincidance. I have seen many more vehicles with aftermarket airfilters without problems...so deffinatly get the codes read out and find out exactly what is wrong be it yourself or a professional...not just some po-dunk grease monkey with a bad guess.

Layzie · 10-10-2006, 02:32 PM

Thanks for the info, I will check it when I get the chance to. So, just to clarify, any after market product that I have under the hood should not be giving me the engine check light on?

325isBaby · 10-10-2006, 03:36 PM

Typically not...I've seen Dinan filters to K&N Filters without ANY check engine lights.

Layzie · 10-10-2006, 04:41 PM

ok thanks, I was also inquiring about other aftermarket products besides the air filter, like a turbo or what not.

325isBaby · 10-10-2006, 05:08 PM

i know it's been done, never seen one in the shop before...mostly because it voids the warranty. If it's done properly you shouldn't get a check engine light.

Layzie · 10-10-2006, 05:14 PM

Thank you guys for all the help, I'll try and get the code as soon as I get my car back. Its getting repair because I have a coolent leak in it.

Zunarn · 10-15-2006, 03:38 AM

Hi Layzie, sorry to troll your post but I just had to ask. What type of front bumper body kit is that in your car and where did you get it? It looks great! Thanks

SpeedInfusion · 10-15-2006, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zunarn

Hi Layzie, sorry to troll your post but I just had to ask. What type of front bumper body kit is that in your car and where did you get it? It looks great! Thanks

its a stock m3 front bumper...with missing foglights

Zunarn · 10-15-2006, 04:06 AM

gotcha, thanks.